The Last Paladin IC - Part III

[Maquise]

"Not that I know of. I was raised in Vitharn, spent twenty years there. After that, I was offered a choice; live amongst the elves and never leave the Spirit Fence, or go out into the world and never step any closer to the elven lands than Vitharn. When I chose to become an archeologist, my decision was met with approval; finding relics of our lost past is a most necessary task."

[Frosty]

"Wait, so you're doing this for your people, and because of that they'll reward you by not letting you back home, essentially? Or at least deeper into home."

[Maquise]

"It's nothing personal. Not even our greatest warriors who fight on the outside are allowed in. There is a belief, unfounded or not, that anything that is exposed to the fiends is tainted and could bring ruin to the elves if it is allowed inside."

[Frosty]

"Well, I guess we're not getting in for a while then. Maybe if I had another one of the artifacts I could prove myself worthy. So, let's plan an expedition to Cabadath. We need more information somehow."

[Maquise]

"I'll start looking into it," Lyanna says. "There isn't much, but whatever there is to know about the city, we'll know it before we leave."

Mirabelle says, "I wonder if we'll go hunting astral shark before we leave, or after."

[Frosty]

"Well, it depends on how long Lyanna's research takes compared to how quickly the acolytes can get us ready. I think Ironman will enjoy a hunt. I'll take Grembler and Kensin as well if they want to come."

[Maquise]

"Good idea," Mira says, "but what about Skeever? I haven't seen him since we got back from Azkard."

[Frosty]

"I don't think he'll want to risk his life, but we can ask him. The question is, do you want him watching your back?"

[Maquise]

Mira sighs. "That's the real question, isn't it? Although, you seemed to believe in Grembler, and that turned out alright in spite of everything. My question is, what are your plans concerning him?"

[Frosty]

"Well, I want to *show* him Good, and how it's a better way to live. Maybe we should bring him along, show him how I and others are risking our lives for you despite not having a material reward for ourselves."

[Maquise]

"That sounds like a good idea, but I'll be keeping my eye on him, and I trust you'll do the same." Mira stands up. "I don't think I'll be of much help to you, Lyanna, and I've got some excess energy to burn off. I'll be on the training grounds."

[Frosty]

"Lyanna, keep me posted on your progress. I'm going to train a bit too."

Karrin may not be able to spend time in bed with Mira, but she can still spend other quality time.

[Maquise]

The two of you find an isolated section of the training grounds, and take up the wooden weapons. Mira grabs a sword, and you take a weapon of your choosing.

"I notice you seem to agree with Hurgim," Mira says as she practices her footwork. "He seems to prefer two-handed weapons and heavy armor."

[Frosty]

"I'm just not that quick. It's why I ride on Trombe. And if I need to crunch the thick hide of outsiders, two-handing it lets me hit harder. I'd get hit less with a shield, yes, but sometimes the best defense is a good offense." The paladin practice precise thrusts and stabs.

[Maquise]

"That's true, which is one of the reasons I like this new shield. The bone spike let me use it as a weapon and for defense at the same time. That's also why I took the biggest sword I could get ahold of when I went after the orcs. It was so big it took me a while to figure out how to use it with only one hand."

The two of you spar for a while. Once the two of you have finished, Mira sits down with you. "So, what do you think we'll find in Cabathad?"

[Frosty]

"Lots of people you'll...*we* will want to kill, but whom we'll probably end up trying to save from themselves. Oh, and hopefully a holy sword that makes yours look puny." Karrin sticks her tongue out.

[Maquise]

"Ugh. Why does everyone in authority have to go out of their way to hinder our efforts? Well, I guess that's something of an exaggeration. Everyone in Whiteveil's been useful up to this point. And we'll see who's sword is bigger when Hurgim's finished."

[Frosty]

"Because if everyone cooperated, I'd be almost superfluous? The world would be just fine if people worked together...like you and I work together."

[Maquise]

Dusk approaches, and a servant informs you that the acolytes will be ready to take you to the Astral Plane in the morning.

[Frosty]

Karrin takes Mirabell to go see ask the others if they want to come. They ask Ironman first, who probably joins. Then they go one by one tot he rest of the group.

[Maquise]

You find that all of your companions, including Skeever, are willing to come. You address the acolyte in charge.

"It might be... difficult to include the automaton, due to nature of the magic involved."

[Frosty]

"Can you do a test run to the astral realm and back for Ironman to see if it'll work?"

[Maquise]

"It is... fairly difficult to actually access the Astral Realm directly. Rather than attempt it, all we need for this particular journey is to project bodies of light into the Realm. The difficulty is that without a soul, Ironman has nothing to project."

[Frosty]

"Next up. Getting you a soul, Ironman! That ought to be easier than getting the elves to open up right?" she says jokingly. "Well, in any case, I guess Ironman has to stay here for tomorrow expedition."

Karrin silently wonders if Skeever is going along just to protect Lyanna.

[Maquise]

"I will make the final preparations. We will be ready when you are." By now the sun has set.

[Frosty]

"Thank you, acolyte." Karrin takes Mira, Lyanna, and Skeever aside to talk for a moment. "Skeever, I'd like to thank you for volunteering to help, even though there's no direct material benefit for you."

[Maquise]

"Ehh, in my experience, hangin' back at the nest don't get ya no opportunities. This, Astral-place thing, wherever it is, sounds like a dangerous place, but where there's danger, there's profits me mum always says."


(Before I forget, you've gained a level.)

[Frosty]

(oh wow! I hadn't expected it so soon! Yay!)

"Plus, both Mira and Lyanna are grateful for your assistance. Lyanna and Mira are great friends, and Lyanna wants to see Mira have better equipment, so she's excited to help."

[Maquise]

(Well, you did bring Azkard in as an ally, which was a major victory, and you gain levels from major victories.)

"Oh is she?" Skeever's tone is a lower, possibly in an attempt at being seductive. He gazes half-lidded her, flexing one of the bony ridges that serves as an eyebrow on the hairless reptile.

Lyanna covers her face with her palm, and speaks so only you can hear. "Karrin, I know you're trying to help, but could you please not encourage him?"

[Frosty]

Karrin smiles. "You and Kensin can handle him, I'm sure."

Before she forgets, she asks the acolytes if Trombe can be transported along as well, and how her summoning powers interacts with the fact that Trombe's body and soul would be separated at the time.